Red Bulls coach Mike Petke is a big believer in earning your playing time, a proponent of rewarding those who put the work in during training. That’s why he started Roy Miller the past two games, and that’s why he put Jonny Steele back in the lineup last night. The Irishman made Petke glad he did.

Steele had a goal and an assist in the second half to power their 4-1 victory over New England, notching his first score as a Red Bull and linking up with captain Thierry Henry over and over on the left flank.

“Wednesday not playing him was a bit of a tactical decision. I explained that to him, and he was 100% on board and fine with that. Then he had a phenomenal couple days of training and I thought this game suited him perfectly,’’ said Petke. “This is an opportunity for him to exploit the outside a little bit and get some crosses in and work his ass off. And he did and I’m proud of him today.’’

Steele had started all but one of the Red Bulls’ games, until Petke sat him for Wednesday’s 1-0 loss against Sporting KC.

“He said he was just going to change the dynamics of the team and I can respect his decision. He’s the manager, he makes the calls. I was disappointed, but I came in and worked hard and he rewarded me with being back in the team,’’ said Steele. “I thanked God tonight I showed him.

“I just think if you respond… I don’t think you got to look for a response on what he was going to play. It’s his decisions to make is not mine, what more can I say. He took a say and I respect him for taking a say and being a man to me and telling me why I wasn’t on the team. He then took me aside and tells me I’m going to be on the team.’’

And Steele made good. In the 82nd minute he played a nice through ball to Thierry Henry that the captain finished for a 3-1 lead. Then he clinched it in the 89th minute, when Eric Alexander slotted a pass to him and he slammed home his first goal of the year.

“It feels good; it just takes some of the stress off my shoulders,’’ said Steele. “My dad’s not well so that goes towards my dad and Eric did pretty well. Eric laid on a beauty and if you miss that you shouldn’t be playing.

“I’ve got some family issues with my father not well and stuff, so every game I’m going to dedicate to my dad. I just got to pray and do things for him… (My father) just had a stroke… I’m just rewarding him for what he has done for me and my career.’’

Henry has always drifted back and wide left throughout his career, so his interplay with the left winger is vital. And tonight, it was flawless.

“He had a brilliant game. The only thing missing (before) was he was very composed on the final third of the field. He should’ve had more assists in the beginning of the season, but guys didn’t score on some of his passes. But he had a great game,’’ said Henry, adding they’ve connected well on the left.

“He understands the game. He gave me the ball at the right time. It’s great to have a guy like that on the team.’’